Author Archives: Benny Kass

Q: We would like to purchase my grandmothers house, and she will take back a mortgage. She is going to stay with us until she will need full time care. Our concern: what would happen if she needed money for ...

Q: I own a condo which I have been renting for several years. The condo association has just hit me with a fine because my tenant has been using AIRBNB in violation of the condo rules. Do I have any ...

Q: I am the only board member left standing in our condo. The others resigned (I did not ask why because I don’t think it is relevant to the immediate issue). The by-laws provide that a board consist of five ...

Q: Please resolve a dispute I have with my real estate agent. He says I need to post a money deposit in order to have a binding real estate contract, and I don’t agree. He also said the oral promise ...

Q: In 2011, I was approved and obtained a loan modification thru the making homes affordable program (HAMP). It was set at a lower interest rate for 5 years, then it is to increase 1% a year till it reaches ...

Q: Please explain the difference between the “Declaration” and the “Bylaws” in a condominium association. I believe Boards of Directors — and owners — often focus on the Bylaws and overlook the more important Declaration. Our Board of Directors recently ...

Q: I have just been elected president of my 150-unit condominium association and have heard that some property managers throughout the country have embezzled association funds. How can we protect ourselves and our money? Fred A: My condolences on your ...

Q. I have been renting an apartment, and my lease will expire at the end of this year. I have taken a job out of the area, and expect to begin my new position right after Thanksgiving. My landlord has ...

Q: In the past, you have explained the various ways homeowners can take title. But aren’t there several different types of deed? Carrie. A: Dear Carrie: Yes, oversimplified , there are three different types of deeds. First, there is a ...